{{productName}}

Although modern Portugal can be credited for its contributions to art, architecture and world-class dining, there’s a distant remnant of the Old Empire lying far from the mainland. From the rolling blue hydrangeas of Faial, the steep cliffs of Sao Jorge and the black volcanic soil under the vineyards of Pico, the Azores offer a delightful insight into both island and Portuguese living. Discover a new side to ancient Portugal on this island-hopping Atlantic adventure.

Why you'll love this trip

Admire beautiful green pastures as you drive along roads bordered with flowers on your excursion to Capelinhos volcano

Enjoy a whale-watching tour on a small-boat excursion with an experienced guide who’ll offer insights into the lives of these amazing creatures

Hike to the top of Pico da Esperanca, the highest point in all of Portugal!

Explore Sao Miguel Island and enjoy fresh Azore cuisine made using local produce

Is this trip right for you?

There are internal flights included on this trip. There are restrictions on the amount of luggage you can carry on these flights.

This trip includes some ferry rides between the islands. With temperamental weather, some of these ferry trips may be a little rocky.

Cobblestones are common in Portuguese cities and you may prefer to bring a backpack instead of a rigid wheelie suitcase. It's also important not to exceed the luggage weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What To Take' section of the Essential Trip Information below.

Gallery

Itinerary

Welcome to Sao Miguel Island, treasured as the vibrant Garden of the Atlantic thanks to its lush surrounds – hopefully you get a glimpse of this through the plane windows on the way in. Your island adventure begins with a welcome meeting that takes place at your lodgings at 6 pm. Please have your insurance and next of kin details on hand to pass over to your leader during this meeting. It's important that you attend this meeting, so if you're not going to make it please let reception or your travel agent know. If you arrive early, perhaps wander along the seaside promenade, pick up a plate of bacalhau (dried and salted cod) at the farmer’s market in Mercado da Graca, or even sample some fresh seafood at the local restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

San Miguel is home to some stunning scenery and by the end of the day, this should be more than obvious. Take a guided walk to the west and central sites of the island, wandering over lagoons and volcanoes in this stunning green landscape, then take a visit to Arruda’s Pineapple Plantation located at Faja de Baixo. These glass greenhouses often take two years to grow the delicious fruit within, and there might be an opportunity to snack on some during the visit. Next, travel past three black beaches along the south coast while before arriving at the city of Lagoa for a pottery demonstration. Depart for the other side of the mountain and the Fogo Volcano, enjoying spectacular views of the west-facing landscape. Stand in awe at the top of Pico da Barossa as you look down at Fogo’s caldera, home to a lake of the same name. After romping through a few more calderas and volcanic landscapes, stop at picturesque Ribera Grande for lunch. Try some Azorean cuisinse in the evening, looking out for cozido if you can get it. This is a must stew consisting of pork, beef, chicken, sausage and vegetables, and is typically cooked underground by a volcanic stream – you'll lava it.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Sao Miguel Island Day tour

Meals Included

Fly into Sao Jorge Island, one of the most scenic islands in the Azores thanks to its steep cliffs and narrow landmass. Enjoy a free day exploring the island. There’s plenty to do, and Sao Jorge is home to some of the best walks in all the Azores, taking you for views off abrupt cliffs, steep descents and, of course, the glistening sea. If you’d rather kick your feet up, simply soak in the sun in Velas, the island’s capital. Take time to visit one of the many local bars, try your hand at birdwatching or sample some of the region’s famous (and strong) cheddar.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Make the most of a second day on Sao Jorge Island with a guided hike along the Pico do Pedro trail, an intermediate-level, 17-kilometre walk along the island’s stunning mountain range. Begin at the foot of Pico do Pedro and pass by Pico da Esperanca,the highest point on the island, then wander the outskirts of the underlying crater and enjoy spectacular views of the lake below. You’ll then pass by Pico Areiro, Pico Pinheiro and a series of woods and roads before arriving at Faja do Ouvidor’s lava formed landscape. Don’t worry too much about food on the trip, as a picnic will be provided along the way.

Accommodation

Hotelk (1 night)

Included Activities

Pico do Pedro trail hike

Meals Included

Today you'll travel to Faial Island by ferry, sometimes referred to as Ilha Azul (Blue Island). Raul Brandao, the Portugese poet, famously made note of the iconic blue hydrangeas that bloom on Faial during the summer months, quipping 'the man that had the idea to border the road with these plants should have a statute on the island.'
Visit the island's resident volcano, Capelinhos, or rather the volcano centre as the climb up is not safe enough. Capelinhos last erupted in 1957 and changed the island permanently, adding an extra kilometre of land mass and blanketing the surrounding area in five metres of volcanic ash. The rest of the day is free to explore the local port town, Horta, and discover its long maritime history. Order a G&T at the famous Cafe Sport, and share a yarn with one of the travelling yachtsmen who often visit the bar.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Volcano Capelinhos Museum visit

Meals Included

Leave Faial for the day to visit Ilha do Pico. Known as Ilha Preta (Black Island) for its black volcanic earth, Pico is the proud home of UNESCO-designated vineyards that have played a major part in the community’s development.Later in the day, embark on a whale-watching tour with the rest of your group. Up until 1980, the island supported a substantial whaling industry due to the deep waters of the surrounding Atlantic. Fortunately, the end of the industry means whale watching has become a popular activity for sea-faring visitors. You'll be back on Faial Island for the evening and that means there's time for a cheeky G&T at Cafe Sport (aka Peter's Bar), perhaps the most famous sailor's bar in the world. This watering hole was once a crucial post office and gossip stop for travelling sailors in a pre-internet era. For some, it still is.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Whale Watching Tour - Pico Island

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Please note that the whale watching activity is subject to the correct weather conditions and sightings of whales cannot be guaranteed since they are wild creatures of nature.When not available, the activity will be replaced with an alternative.

Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

PASSPORT DETAILS
In order for our local operator to be able to buy internal flight tickets we need your passport details. Please advise these at least 6 weeks prior to the trip's departure.

The luggage limit for airlines we use for domestic flights on this trip is 20kg. Exceeding this limit will incur an excess baggage charge, payable by the traveller. However, we must stress that due to the adventurous nature of this trip and the amount of public transport we use on it, this limit far exceeds Intrepid's recommended luggage weight for this tour (15kg).

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.